Must-see beaches: 10 picks from Australia and New Zealand

7 June 2018

From buzzing Bondi to near-deserted New Chums, there's something for everyone here...

by Jo Gardner

We all know and love Australia and New Zealand's big landscape and cultural attractions, but where are the best spots for some good old beach time? We've scoured both countries to find 10 great spots for families, surfers, and peace-loving sunbathers. It's a hard job...

Australia

Bondi Beach, Sydney

It might be busy, and a little bit tacky, but Bondi is an Aussie institution. With easy access from Sydney, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, you can spend the morning sightseeing and the afternoon on the beach, staying to watch the sunset.

Mandalay Beach, Walpole

If it's rugged, untouched beauty you're after – not to mention a good dose of peace and quiet – this beach, 30 miles from Perth, is the place to be. During low tide, you can catch a glimpse of the Mandalay, a 1911 shipwreck that gave the beach its name.

Main Beach, Noosa

With free parking, plenty of cafes and colourful fish swimming near the shore, Noosa's Main Beach is popular all year round. Pods of dolphins frequent the clear waters here, while whales can be spotted between August and November.

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

A crescent of bright white sand enclosing a circle of blue sea – Wineglass Bay is so photogenic you've probably already seen a picture. The remote Tasmanian location makes it a bit tricky to reach, but it's well worth the effort, particularly if you can stay long enough to get in some kayaking or snorkelling.

Whitehaven Beach, Whit Sundays

The sand on Whitehaven Beach is so white you might not be able to look it. Contrast that with the bluest of blue waters and you have one of Australia's – if not the world's – most beautiful beaches. Most visitors arrive by catamaran during an island-hopping trip around the Whit Sundays.

New Zealand>/h2>

Ninety Mile Beach

It's actually just 88 miles long, but you're unlikely to feel short changed. This epic expanse of sand, backed by massive dunes, is a popular choice with surfers, who come to ride the waves before watching the impressive sunsets.

New Chums Beach

You probably won't make any new chums here: the 30-minute rock scramble from Whangapoua car par puts many people off, so you're likely to have it all to yourself. Those that make it are handsomely rewarded with golden sand and a glittering sea.

Manu Bay

Surfers flock to Manu Bay, which is widely believed to have the world's longest left-hand break. Home to New Zealand's first legitimate surf school, the bay also hosted the World Surfing Championships in 1998.

Anchorage

Abel Tasman National Park has several stunning beaches to choose from, but Anchorage stands out for its golden sand and lush forest. Facilities are few and far between here but visitors can stay overnight in wooden huts, eat at rustic picnic tables and enjoy nature at its best.

Sumner

Want something family-friendly? Sumner beach, just 6 miles (10km) from Christchurch, has clean sand, plenty of lifeguards, calm waters, and plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants serving ice-cream and burgers to hungry kids.

Appetite whetted? Check out our range of Australia and New Zealand holidays for escorted tours, cruises and more.

Published by Mail Travel, a division of Associated Newspapers Limited, a company registered in England under company number 84121 with a registered office at Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT

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